Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh disclosed that construction work in Kirtpur-Manali four lane project would commence soon as the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India have cleared the proposal of the State Government for divergence of 75 hectares of forest land in Bilaspur district under Forest Conservation Act (FCA).

Virbhadra Singh said that this would pave the way for expeditious commencement of Rs. 2300 crore Kiratpur-Manali four lane project upto Nerchowk, Mandi. He said that State Government had announced land acquisition award pertaining to three revenue villages in Bilaspur district.

Chief Minister said that construction works on the tunnel below Swarghat and on the four lane project would commence soon by IL&FS engineering and Construction Company, as all clearances have been received from Government of India and State Government.